And with Bellamy’s assent, Rakos lets him stand on his own. Bellamy straightens his black wyrmskin coat and strides towards the castle steps, only slightly wobbling. There’s Audric and Julien. Oathguards and soldiers. All of them stare at Bellamy in a mixture of joy, relief, and awe—except Lucien Vaire, who’s distracted by the dragon. Bellamy has never felt so impressive in his life. He grins up at his brothers. “Hi, everyone. Sorry I’m late.”
